How to treat rose bush with scale?

[Daisy2024]

Hi experts here , I feel my roses got sick, but dont know what the name of this disease. how to treat it and survie my roses, please give me guidance . much appreciated!

[JacobZ]

Hi @Daisy2024,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It looks like your roses have got a scale infestation.

Scale on roses is a type of tiny insect that attaches itself to the stems and sometimes leaves of the plant. These insects are small, often looking like little white or brown bumps on the plant, which can be mistaken for part of the rose itself. They don’t move much, but they feed by sucking sap from the plant, which can weaken the rose and cause it to look unhealthy.

Ideally, you would be able to simply cut the affected branches off, but it appears to be on the majority of the plant. I'd suggest using a toothbrush to gently remove as much of the scale as possible without damaging the stems beneath. The plant can then be treated with Eco-Oil to kill the remaining insects.

Allow me to tag @Noelle, our resident garden guru to see if she has any advice.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @Daisy2024 

The visible scale is a waxy covering over an insect that is sucking the sap. To efficiently control scale, you should apply a horticultural oil (eco oil, white oil) which will dissolve the covering, followed by an insecticide to kill the pest.

[ChrisMavis]

I have this scale on my Black rose and it is weakening it. I scrape as much off as I can and then spray with a solution  (small amount) of dishwash  diluted in water.

[ChrisMavis]

Scale is badly effecting my black rose as well.
Is it OK to spray with white oil?

Thanks for your advice, Jacob. I will try the tooth brush.
I have been scraping off scale with a knife and the white spots go flying all over the place.
Can they get back on the rose branches and reinfect once they are scraped off and fall into the pot.?

with thanks from Chris (new member)

[ChrisMavis]

By insecticide, do you mean fly spray, Noelle?

[JacobZ]

Hi @ChrisMavis,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

The scale itself, which is essentially wax will not get back on the roses, but the insects that it conceals will.

Scrape the scale off then apply Multicrop EcoPest Oil Insect Spray to the roses to control the insects.

Allow me to tag @Noelle so she is notified of your question.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @ChrisMavis 

No, not fly spray!  An insecticide is a chemical or natural remedy that kills insects. In this instance, I'm referring to a garden insecticide such as an eco pest oil, pyrethrum, rose gun or similar product that is designed for spraying on to plants to kill pests.

Fly spray is a bit rugged for the garden - it may burn foliage and flowers. Keep it for flies etc indoors.

[ChrisMavis]

Thank you, Noelle.

Is white oil OK.?

[JacobZ]

Yes @ChrisMavis, white oil is ok.

Just make sure to read the instructions on the label and follow them closely.

Jacob